Durban band, GANGS OF BALLET sign to EMI

As if out of nowhere, Gangs of Ballet have gone from Durban’s best-kept secret to Top 10 modern-rock hit makers and opening act for Switchfoot’s SA tour.

South Africa clearly loves the band’s first single “Breaking the Silence”, ever since 5FM’s drive-show tastemaker, Catherine, spotted and championed the talented four-piece.
From there, airplay and demand for Gangs of Ballet’s fresh and inviting anthem secured their ride straight to the top of the charts.

Made up of brothers Brad and Josh Klynsmith, Jonathan Rich and Hardus de Beer, the band with a name no-one’s likely to forget in a hurry, have a 5-track EP prepped for digital release and work is also afoot for a full-length major-label debut album in early 2013. “The EP is our first draft, a calling card if you will?” lead vocalist and guitarist Brad says of their digital first delivery.

The quartet has been playing together for years as friends, but over the past 12 months the chemistry heard on the single, and across the EP, has morphed into a sound that’s malleable, inviting and entirely their own. “We create music out of understanding,” Brad says. “People get that.” Their songs also have an uncanny ability of easily attaching themselves to realities beyond their own, not dissimilarly to the kind of refrains Switchfoot have been writing, recording, and successfully performing for more than a decade.”

Thanks to massive airplay, and a Cell C ‘Be’ campaign musical inclusion, what started out as a side-project has turned these four Durbanites into hot property. “When “Breaking The Silence” climbed to Number Seven on the 5fm chart our phones didn’t stop ringing,” Josh recalls. “When EMI called it was clear they shared our passion and vision so it made logical sense to commit.”

With a record contract in place and a single enjoying airtime (pretty much everywhere), Gangs of Ballet’s distinctive energy is charged and set to explode. “The rules are breaking down around us,” Brad says of how their music, and hit trajectory is writing its own rulebook. “People are drawn to our dynamism. Everything we do has an element of that. ”At times ethereal, at others urgent and intense, the music of Gang’s of Ballet gives unselfishly to everyone open to sharing in their fledgling verve.


Comfortably familiar and undeniably original, Gangs of Ballet write music intended to best be enjoyed on big stages – and this month another of the band’s dreams come true when they get to unleash “Breaking The Silence”, “Hello Sweet World”, “Hurricane”, “This Love” and “Warm Skies” before San Diego’s Switchfoot foster and fuel the flames ignited by a young Durban band about to set the world on fire.

DECEMBER STREETS release debut album + announce tour dates

Photo taken by Lisa Stayt

It's been an album 2 years in the making with the December Streets already claiming multiple radio hits across South African radio stations in 2011 and 2012, but it's finally here. The December Streets launch their debut album "This Is" next week with a nationwide tour following throughout August. Fans can finally have all the hits ("My Name", "Fire Through The Window", "Got That Feeling", and more) all on one album.

The band returned to the studio in April and May 2012, working once again with Jacques du Plessis and David Grevler (who both worked with other great SA acts such as Wrestlerish, Dance you’re on Fire, Fire through the Window and the City Bowl Mizers), re-recording all their hit songs, adding loads of brand new tracks and creating one of the best debut releases of 2012.

"'This is' features the best of the old and the very best of the new. As the album title suggests, This is what we've got, This is our best... Till the second album of course." Corneil Clasen, Drummer for The December Streets, proudly explains when asked about their debut.

Album track listing and cover art:

1.            Avvio

2.            Coming Home

3.            Fire Through The Window

4.            Breathing In

5.            Who Needs Shoes

6.            My Name

7.            Thief

8.            Dance With Somebody

9.            Slow Down

10.          So Fine

11.          Josephine

12.          Got That Feeling

13.          Wazungu (African Jam)

14.          She Knows

BONUS TRACK:

15.          Papa Said

Along with the hit singles fans already know, "This Is" boasts a selection of incredible tracks, such as the brand new single "So Fine" (already receiving generous radio play on 5fm), the feel-good "Coming Home", vibey "Dance With Somebody", and party starter "Breathing In".

Trying to define their style is almost impossible. "Like our bio says 'Rock music met pop music and they had a baby. The baby of funk and reggae met that baby and THEIR baby is what you could be listening to right now!'", says Nico van Loggerenberg, Lead Guitarist for the December Streets.

To celebrate the release of their debut album "This Is", December Street will be touring throughout August, launching their album to fans nationwide on the following dates:

2nd August - Tanz Café, Fourways, Johannesburg

Band Line-up:    Supported by LACEY MAY

Entrance Fee:    R70 entrance or R120 entrance with a "This Is" CD

Ticket Link:          http://www.tanzcafe.co.za/index.php?mod=submain&SubPage_ID=44

For Bookings:     Call (011) 658 0277 or go to this link http://www.tanzcafe.co.za/index.php?mod=submain&SubPage_ID=19

Venue Address: Shop 27, The Buzz Shopping Centre, Cnr Witkoppen & Nerine Roads, Fourways

4th August - !Arcade Empire, Pretoria

Band Line-up: With BOMBAY SHOW PIG (from The Netherlands) and KINKY ROBOT

Venue Contact: TEL - 087 980 3531 (!Arcade Empire)

Venue Address: 265 The Highway Street, Pretoria

16th August - Memphis Rocks, Potchefstroom

Venue Contact: 083 444 4101 (Memphis Rock)

Venue Address: 12 ESSELEN STREET, Potchefstroom

18th August - LIVE - The Venue, Durban

Band Line-up: With FARRYL PURKISS and CATLIKE THIEVES

Venue Contact: 084 510 3107 (LIVE - the venue)

Venue Address: 166 Stamford Hill Rd, Durban

24th August - Zula Bar, Cape Town

Band Line-up: With FARRYL PURKISS

Venue Contact: 021 424 2442

Venue Address: 98 Long St, Cape Town

25th August - Aandklas, Stellenbosch

Band Line-up: With FARRYL PURKISS and DUIMPIE SE MAAT

Venue Contact: 021 883 3545

Venue Address: 43a Birdstraat, Stellenbosch

31st August - Tanz Café, Fourways, Johannesburg

Band Line-up: with THE GRAEME WATKINS PROJECT and KINKY ROBOT

Ticket Link: http://www.tanzcafe.co.za/

For Bookings: Call (011) 658 0277 or go to this link http://www.tanzcafe.co.za/index.php?mod=submain&SubPage_ID=19

Venue Address: Shop 27, The Buzz Shopping Centre, Cnr Witkoppen & Nerine Roads, Fourways

"We have put a lot of hours into preparing a new and fresh set for the album tour. Obviously giving the audience a taste of what they can expect on the album, and more. A lot of energy and dancing will be mandatory on and off stage." - December Streets

Watch the brand new music video from December Streets for "Got That Feeling" and get ready for an explosive tour!!!

"This Is" the December Streets.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9YgnVu-An4

YGN: Spring is gonna rock

On Spring Day 2012 we're gonna be Rocking in Spring at Gateways Wavehouse with some of SA's top rock bands including multi'-award winners CrashCarBurn and The Graeme Watkins Project, Idols 2011 winner, David Van Vuuren and 2009 winner, Jason Hartman and The Catlike Thieves.


Tickets are available via computicket at R120 or on the day at the gate for R150. Ticket sales at the venue start at 16:00 and the gates open at 17:30. There is no age restriction.

David Van Vuuren winner of idols 2011 is originally from Pinetown, this will be his first performance with his full live band, 'Free the Animals', in Durban.

The Graeme Watkins Project are fresh from their USA tour and recording tracks for their new album with international producer, Jeff Blue who has worked with the likes of Linken Park.

Jason Hartman was also recently abroad performing in France and is excited to be performing in his home town along with the other idols famed stars.

The Catlike Thieves are also a Durban based band and are proud to open the stage for this spectacular event.

CrashCarBurn recently performed in Ballito and are back to rock Durban for all those who missed the show. They'll be rocking out classic hits like Twisted along with some new songs.

CHIANOSKY RELEASES HER HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEBUT ALBUM ‘HUNGRY’

The dream is just beginning for 19-year-old ChianoSky with the release of her highly anticipated debut album ‘Hungry’. ChianoSky’s mix of seductive jazzy pop has seen her racing up the airplay charts in South Africa, showcasing her as one of South Africa’s most exciting, fresh and talented new discoveries.

‘Hungry’ has already spawned the hits ‘Sick Sick’, ‘Walking Away’ and her current single ‘Home Sweet Home,’ all of which have enjoyed nationwide playlistings on top CHR stations like 5fm, Highveld and more.

“Hungry is such a powerful word. It summed up exactly how I feel about everything that is happening in my life at the moment. I am starved for experience, hungry for it, and I am willing to fight for it. That’s really what this album represents for me,” she says.

With influences ranging from afar afield as Nina Simone, Etta James, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Adele and especially Amy Winehouse. ChianoSky has found an original voice and style all her own. The album, which has been a year in the making, has seen ChianoSky collaborate with some of the top producers in the industry, including the famous UK based Pete “Boxsta” Martin.

Chianosky

“I was so nervous about working with Pete, because it’s a whole different game overseas, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. I discovered so many different sides to my voice, and really worked on bringing them all to life”, says ChianoSky.

ChianoSky is not an artist to sit behind the scenes and let other people create her story. She insists on being a part of the entire process, from vision and creative concept, music video, photo shoots, album artwork design and beyond. In perfect pop style, there are no half measures with ChianoSky, you get the entire package, all intricately thought out and planned.

‘Hungry’ is an album that highlights the journey of an artist who has paved her own path, from start to finish.  From the contagious blues pop of ‘Walking Away’ the intensity of the jazzy ballad ‘Believe’ to the bluesy inspired ‘Sugar Man’, this is an album with a striking maturity, sultry sexy vocals that transfix and inspire, and a sound that is filled with the optimism and full bodied lust of youth.

Great weekend of live music in Durban

This weekend saw a great selection of live music in Durban. Below are some photos of the bands we managed to see.

Customized at Live, The Venue

The Sunshine Band at Live, The Venue

Toxic Candy at Live, The Venue

Tina Redman at Live, The Venue

Andrew James at Durban Botanic Gardens

Freshlyground at Durban Botanic Gardens

GIG GUIDE - FRESHLYGROUND

Event: OLD MUTUAL MUSIC AT THE LAKE SERIES concert featuring ANDREW JAMES as the supporting act to FRESHLYGROUND.

Venue: The Durban Botanic Gardens, 9A Zikhale (Sydenham) Road, Durban

Date: 22 July 2012

Gates open: 13:00 for pre-sold tickets, 13:30 for on the day sales

Opening act starts: 14:00

Tickets are available online at www.webtickets.co.za
Tickets prices:  R130 online, or at the gate for R150 on the day
Kids between 8-12 pay R50, kids under eight are free

Facilities Available:
All children are welcome at the KidZone for some extra fun and games.
Drinks, cooler boxes and picnic baskets are welcome
Everyone is welcome to bring picnic baskets and blankets.

Secure parking is available on the Juventus ground.  Entrance to all parking is off lower John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road, adjacent to the Botanic Gardens and the Munies Hockey Field also off lower John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road.

Andrew James

Andrew James is the support act for Freshlyground at their upcoming concert at Durban Botanic Gardens on 22 July 2012. Here is some background info on him.


"Andrew James is a guitarist with the dexterity of Edward Scissorhands – it’s hard to believe he’s just one man playing one instrument."
Andrew has quickly earned a reputation as a folk hero at home  and his global audience is expanding, having recently featured on the cover of Indie Music Reviewer Magazine. He combines roots, blues, slide guitar and folk in an astoundingly unique and contemporary approach to songwriting.

A virtuoso (in the strict sense of the word), his capacity for creating music that compliments and augments his lyrical storytelling knows no bounds. Watching Andrew wield the acoustic guitar, lap slide and banjo, using a unique and mesmerising finger-picking technique, is an experience in itself. His relationship to his instruments, from which he can coax sounds as diverse as they are expressive, is one of obvious intimacy, even love. His voice is alternately plaintive, nostalgic, innocent and angered as he considers the consequences of our thinking and our actions in uncertain times.

Andrew James